Nat King Cole - "Nature Boy" (1948)

"Nature Boy" is a song by Eden Ahbez, published in 1948. It tells about a fantasy of a "strange enchanted boy... who wandered very far, very far, over land and seas" only to learn that "the greatest thing... was just to love and be loved in return". Nat Cole's 1948 recording of the song was a major hit, and "Nature Boy" has since become a pop and jazz standard, with dozens of major artists interpreting the song. George Benson covered it on his 1977 "In Flight" album. The song has been a major theme for many films such as The Boy with Green Hair, Untamed Heart, Nature Boy, The Crossing, Angel Eyes and Moulin Rouge! to name a few. - JC

The Nat King Cole Trio (1948):
Nat King Cole - Piano
Irving Ashby - Guitar
Johnny Miller - Bass

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Eden Ahbez
• Nat King Cole
• Nature Boy
• Irving Ashby
• Johnny Miller
• The Nat King Cole Trio

[rogerlesliecook]

I have heard this song was first recorded by Nat King Cole and made a hit in 1946, 47 and 48. Wonder which year it was?

[jimmycoson]

@rogerlesliecook - In 1947, Eden Ahbez approached Nat King Cole's manager backstage at the Lincoln Theatre in LA and handed him the music for this song. Cole began playing the song for live audiences and it was an instant hit. Nat needed to track down the author before he made a recording of this song which was released in 1948. "Nature Boy" shot to #1 on the Billboard charts and remained there for eight consecutive weeks during the summer of 1948.

[davidhalldurham]

The definitive version of a gorgeous song! Does anyone know who's playing guitar? It sounds a bit like Joe Pass, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to say that for sure.

[jimmycoson]

@davidhalldurham - Yes, thewordkeeper is right. That's Irving Ashby (1947-1951) on guitars, who replaced Oscar Moore (1937–1947). The guy on bass is Johnny Miller (1944-1956), who replaced Wesley Prince (1937- 1944).

[rosebud1939]

one of the greatest songs ever writen

[Karimsatta]

Magnificent melody!!

[BigKmaniac]

my word .... absolute perfection

[rogerlesliecook]

@jimmycoson Thanks Jimmy from a 1946 English (now Aussie) baby. I have always felt closer to this song being from my birth era. Coincidently, my occupation/love now is bushland restoration - restoring natural environment here in southeastern Australia - being a nature boy!

[PaintedRoguez]

1 person has never felt love

[thewordkeeper]

@davidhalldurham That's Irving Ashby on guitar. Type Live: The King Cole Trio Route - 66 in youtube search box. From his wikipedia bio: "After playing rhythm guitar in Lionel Hampton's orchestra, he played in the Nat King Cole Trio from 1947 to 1951."